Throwback Adventure – Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse, Maine – September 2013 and February 2018

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Flashback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing.

In September 2013, Shadow, Buster, my Mom, and I visited Neddick Lighthouse, and in February 2018, Shadow, Wilma, my Mom, and I visited Neddick Lighthouse. As many of you know Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed!

Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse is located in Cape Neddick, York, Maine. It is on Nubble Island off of Cape Neddick point. It was initially put into use in 1879, and continues to be a working lighthouse. The area is popular for visitors, and even has a small gift shop and restrooms (available in season).

We enjoyed our visits to this beautiful, scenic lighthouse. It is the perfect place to take photographs, sit on a bench and enjoy the breeze, lounge in the grass, or jump from rock to rock along the ocean shore. It really is a true New England landmark (Rating: 4).

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February 2013

May 27, 2018 – Rhode Island – Blackstone River State Park

Today we visited the Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI. The Blackstone River Park is a riverfront park with bicycle trails, walking paths, canoeing, and even a museum. It is also popular for fishing. The Blackstone Canal was built to improve transportation of goods, and was opened in 1828. The River flows nearly 48 miles throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

We visited this park on a dark, cool New England day, a far cry from yesterday’s 80 degree heat. Although many will complain about today’s weather, I love a 50 degree, sweatshirt-type of New England day.

On our visit we explored the trails along the canal, and through the woods. We located a dam from afar, and noticed various bridges winding through the park. We appreciated new trails for some exercise, taking in the nice cool breeze. Shadow seemed to love rolling in the Rhode Island grass, while of course Wilma found some tasty sticks to gnaw. We chatting with several other visitors, and made some dog friends. No matter how simple the park, we ALWAYS enjoy our adventures! (Rating: 2)

May 26, 2018 – Massachusetts – Ashland State Park

Today we visited Ashland State Park, located in Ashland, Massachusetts. Ashland State Park is a 470 Acre Park with a 157 Acre Reservoir. The Park has a dam, a spillway, and several beaches for guests. The Park was initially created when the Reservoir was built in 1895. Ashland State Park has several fun facts, with a movie partly partially being filmed there in August 2014 (“Sea of Trees”), and even a helicopter crash in August 2016.

We spent almost four hours at this amazingly beautiful park, mostly traversing the trail around the Reservoir. We arrived bright and early, leading us to meet many, many other dog friends. I choose Ashland State Park today, as I knew it would be a hot day, and thought it was a perfect way for the dogs to cool down. Although Wilma is not a swimmer, she waded and sipped some water along the way. Shadow continually swam, and often enjoyed just sitting in the Reservoir. We enjoyed many stops for these water moments, and also spent some time at the dam, where Wilma even found a little turtle! We saw a beaver dam along the trail, crossed some unique bridges, found some good sticks for chewing, and some round rocks for climbing. This was really a great find, and as usual I took plenty of photographs along the way. Definitely a perfect location for a hot New England day (Rating: 5)

Throwback Adventure – Quechee Gorge , Vermont – October 2016

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing.

Shadow, Buster, and I journeyed to the Quechee Gorge in October 2016. We have been there other times, but this trip we thoroughly explored the Park. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed!

The Quechee Gorge is located in the Quechee State Park in Quechee, Vermont. It is the deepest gorge in Vermont, plunging 165 feet. The Ottauquechee River flows through the bottom of the Gorge. The Gorge can be viewed from the bridge above, located directly on Route 4. This scenic view really cannot be missed as it is plastered with tourists peering over the bridge for a view, and snapping photographs. There are also trails along the Gorge, which allow for varied views of the River, and Gorge.

We choose a beautiful Fall day for this visit to the Gorge. We climbed to the bottom trail to view the Gorge, which revealed the bridge from afar. From there we hiked the opposite direction finding more trails, and even a little area for the dogs to swim. It was nice to get good some good exercise, and enjoy the colorful Fall foliage. The most beautiful spot really was the view of the Gorge directly off the bridge. The pictures I took really could not capture the beauty of this location. (Rating: 4)

Also, while in the area we stopped at the Quechee Covered Bridge, which spans the Ottauquechee River. The bridge was rebuilt after being severely damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Irene in 2011. (Rating: 3)

The many adventures we had in October 2016 are especially precious in my heart as it was the last month of adventures we would have before losing Buster. We are so grateful that he was able to live life to the fullest.

May 20, 2018 – Massachusetts – Minuteman National Historic Park

Today we visited Minuteman National Historic Park, which we have visited before. This Park includes the towns of Lincoln, Concord, and Lexington. Minuteman National Park commemorates the opening battle in the American Revolutionary War. The park encompasses over 900 acres of land, and includes the North Bridge, “The Battle Road Trail”, and The Wayside Inn.

We strolled along the trails, over the North Bridge, stopping at various landmarks, along, and adjacent to the trail. It was a humid spring day, a good excuse for Shadow to enjoy a swim in the Concord River. Wilma herself enjoyed a good bark at the Daniel Chester French’s statue “Minute Man” (video below.) She must know history is really not my thing, a good reason to add a history stop to our adventures. (Rating: 3)

May 19, 2018 – Massachusetts – Bancroft Castle

Today we had our second adventure to Bancroft’s Castle in Groton. (I therefore will include pictures from our first visit too, just last November). Bancroft’s Castle was built in 1906 by General William Bancroft on Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts. Much of this Castle was destroyed in July 1932 during a fire. The Castle and trails are now part of Groton’s conservation land, so it can be enjoyed by all.

A steep, but short walk up a hill brings you to this small Castle, neighboring a local pasture. The Castle itself is towering in height, but yet small in area. I took many photos as we walked throughout the ruins of the Castle. Wilma enjoyed jumping throughout the hideouts, while Shadow was eager to pose for photos, my treat driven boy. After enjoying this unique spot, we wandered the nearby trails. This area gives quite the view of the town of Groton and surrounding areas. The Castle is quite the hidden gem. (Rating: 4)

May 19, 2018

November 4, 2017

Throwback Adventure – Jordan Pond, Maine – August 2015

In August 2015 My Mom, Shadow, Buster, and I journeyed to Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He had an amazing zest for life, led by his joyous howl, and happy tail. We made many memories on adventures, that we fondly treasure. He will always be missed!!

Jordan Pond was formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet during the last glacial period. It has mountains to the west and northeast. The loop trail around the pond is less than four miles long, and is mostly flat. On arrival I found the area to be quite touristy, but as we began to traverse the trail around the pond we were surrounded by nature, and stunning beauty. The perfect shaped rocks, gorgeous water, and the mountains, combined to provide a picturesque landscape. The day of this journey it was a bit foggy, which added a mystical feature to the photos. As per usual I took numerous photos of the boys on our adventure, and the stunning landscape. This was definitely a trip I will always treasure. It was one of the most gorgeous spots we have visited on our many years of adventures (Rating: 5)

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May 13, 2018 – Massachusetts – Acton Arboretum

Today, I wanted to add a little tribute to my Mother on this Mother’s Day. I planned the adventure to the Arboretum with my amazing Mother in mind. I am so lucky, and grateful to have such a wonderful Mother, who has always provided me love, encouragement, and support. As a young child we spent a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors, camping, walking in the woods, and learning about creation. Little did I know I would eventually be blogging my outdoor adventures. In my blog today I want to give my Mom a shout out, and say “Thank you for EVERYTHING you are, and have done for me. I am so grateful”. We are happy to have my parents join us on the adventure today.

Today we visited the Acton Arboretum, which is situated on some of the 65 acres of conservation land in Acton. It has a short trail system, and provides numerous gardens to explore. The Arboretum offers self-guided tours, available for download. It is often difficult to find garden locations that are dog friendly, so I was quite pleased to find this location.

We enjoyed our time at the Arboretum on another beautiful Spring Day. It is early in the garden season, but we still found beautiful landscapes and floral color to photograph. The trails included some bridges, and boardwalks, and lots of little benches to sit, and relax. Shadow enjoyed a swim in a little pond, and Wilma excitedly greeted anyone in her sight. It was a simple park, but so nice to stroll around with my parents, and to enjoy the beginning of spring. (Rating: 3, although the company was perfect!)

Throwback Adventure – Lonesome Lake – July 2017

In July 2017 me and Shadow journeyed to Lonesome Lake in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. (Wilma had not yet joined our world). Lonesome Lake had been on my “must explore” adventure list, and we found a perfect day to venture on this hike. Lonesome Lake is a body of water that is located in Franconia Notch in the White Mountains, just south of Cannon Mountain. You can only reach this Lake by a hike, which creates a magical journey. There was some reconstruction on the trail, so we were directed toward an alternative route. The trail was a tough trail for me, but it seemed to be quite effortless for Shadow. He was nine at the time (now ten) and did not miss a beat. Upon arrival we hiked around the Lake, and Shadow enjoyed cooling down with numerous dips in the Lake. It was very crowded at the Lake, but yet there was little traffic on the trail around the lake. There was an AMC hut located at the Lake which provided snacks, bathroom breaks, and even lodging. This hut was not dog friendly, but we were able to wander around and check out the area. Heading back from the Lake, was of course a breeze. My only disappointment in this hike was I imagined a more accessible beachfront where you could relax and enjoy sitting by the Lake. However, it was very crowded, no sandy shores, and hard to find little outlets to the Lake. Luckily this was not a barrier for Shadow who was able to sneak in many swims. I absolutely love a hike that leads to a landmark that cannot be reached otherwise. Definitely a memorable day of hiking, and adventures. (Rating: 5)

April 23, 2018 – Getaway to Connecticut – Day Two

We started a relaxing Day Two of our getaway in Connecticut waking up at a beautiful, dog-friendly accommodation called Green Acres Bed and Breakfast. Green Acres is an early eighteenth century farmhouse located in Simsbury, CT. I felt immediately at home upon arrival, being greeted by the innkeepers’ three rescue dogs. This property was beautifully landscaped with fountains, and a pool. We stayed longer than planned chatting with the owners, who were quite hospitable. Although it is easy to find a place that allows dogs, it is hard to find one that is truly dog friendly. This was a dream find for a crazy dog mama like myself. Before we departed I enjoyed an elegant breakfast, and left feeling like a queen. It is definitely a place we plan to stay at again. (Rated: 5)

Our first stop on Day Two was the Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury, CT. Stratton Brook State Park was Connecticut’s first state park to be completely wheelchair accessible, and is a designated “Trout Park”. This was a very simple park, but had some lovely trails through the woods, over a creek, and even several ponds, popular for fishing. Shadow enjoyed a swim in the creek, while me and Wilma watched from the little bridge above. We then discovered another adorable covered bridge, perfect in shape, and bright in color. I love scouting out covered bridges. They sometimes make me feel like a professional photographer, stunning in their own solidarity. (Rated: 3)

For our second stop we briefly visited Collinsville, CT. Collinsville is considered a small village in the town of Canton, CT. Collinsville was built around the Collins Company factory. These factory buildings were powered by the river, and have since been rented out to local businesses. We traversed the bridge over the Farmington River, taking photos along the way. Just a quick stop before we headed off to a more dog friendly area, a little too industrial for me. (Rating: 2)

Next we journeyed to Enders State Forest in Granby, CT. This was definitely my favorite location of our Connecticut getaway. The Enders State Forest incorporates nearly 2100 acres of wilderness, including the Salmon River, and approximately five waterfalls abutting the trails. The sounds of the babbling brooks, numerous hide-outs along the River, and steep, rocky views provide quite the sensory experience. Some good exercise along the trails, but yet a relaxing retreat. Definitely a true gem of a park. (Rating: 4)

Our next stop was one of those spontaneous pit stops, directly along the roadside. This location was the Barkhamsted Reservoir, Saville Dam. The Saville Dam is on the Farmington River, and forms the Barkhamsted Reservoir, the primary water source of Hartford, CT. We had driven by this area once before, but this was the first time we had some extra time to wander, and of course shoot some photos. The sun was beaming on the Reservoir, and the view amazingly picturesque. One of our humorous moment occurred at this site. As some of you may know Wilma just turned one, so has many unpredictable moments of joy, and really just utter chaos. On at least three occasions she began rolling on her back, and started flailing down the hill. I attempted taking a video, which I will post below. I am not sure if I captured the moment for my audience, but definitely did capture a memory. The Barkhamsted Reservoir and Saville Dam may be a place to explore more at a future time. (Rating: 4)

Our last stop of the day was at Soldier’s Monument in Winsted, CT. Although I am far from a history buff, I love the gorgeous landmarks that are created to memorize, and honor those who sacrifice their lives for others. The Soldiers’ Monument and Memorial Park is a Memorial for the American Civil War. It was initially dedicated on September 11, 1890, while renovations and additions have occurred since. It is a small area, but very picturesque with the main monument located at the top of a little hill. (Rating: 3)

So this brings me to the end to our Two Day Connecticut getaway. We had a wonderful time exploring, and look forward to our next new Adventure. Evidence of a successful vacation can be seen below, the best travel buddies I know!